NZ Immigrant Boat Builders

Join the Tino Rawa Trust as we tell the story of New Zealand’s boat-building history and the invaluable contribution from our early immigrants to New Zealand.

Since early Maori settlement, whalers and sealers, migrants from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Australia through to more recent times, New Zealand’s history of boatbuilding designs, materials and techniques is unique.

This exhibition tells the stories of migrants involved in the boat building sector and who have made New Zealand their home. Their personal stories and contribution to our maritime history and culture is explored over a three day exhibition. Particular focus will be on the Logan and Bailey boat building dynasties.

The Tino Rawa Trust organises the annual ‘Classic Yacht and Launch Exhibition’ held in Karanga Plaza, Wynyard Quarter each October as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival. The exhibition celebrates our classic yacht and launch history, the owners, boat builders and their stories.

The 2019 exhibition will showcase the stories of immigrant boat builders - from their migration to New Zealand, their influence on maritime culture through to information on construction, designs and respective vessel history.

Display of vessels, plans and storyboards will be available for visitors, alongside information and history of the vessels and many stories about the characters who built and owned them.

The three-day exhibition is for all to enjoy and will be great space to spend a few hours with the opportunity to learn about these artisans who have created a part of our shared voyaging history.